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Lotus confirm they will continue to use Renault engines in "2014 and beyond"

Partnership between two companies started in 1995

By William Esler

Last Updated: 20/02/14 10:33am

Lotus will continue to use Renault engines

Whilst the Enstone-based team had already run using the French firm's engine during a 100km of promotional filming in Jerez and the opening day of the second pre-season test in Bahrain, they had yet to officially announce their partner for the forthcoming year.

"Lotus F1 Team and Renault Sport F1 have enjoyed a successful partnership these past few years and we look forward to continue to build on our relationship and collaboration in 2014 and beyond," Lotus F1 Team Chief Executive Officer Matthew Carter said.

"It is the beginning of a new era in Formula 1 and we are pleased to embrace it together with Renault Sport F1."

The deal continues a collaboration that began in 1995 when the team - then called Benetton - switched from Ford to Renault power, enjoying immediate success by winning the Drivers' Championship with Michael Schumacher and the Constructors' Championship.

"We are pleased to see our partnership officially confirmed as the E22 takes to the track for its first official test," President of Renault Sport F1 Jean-Michel Jalinier added.

"The relationship between Viry and Enstone has gone from strength to strength over the past few years. This is illustrated in no better way than the excellent - and very close - collaboration on the 2014 car, which is more technically complex than any previous designs. We hope this spirit will pay dividends on track this season and going forward into the new F1 technical era."

The Sky Sports F1 Online team will be providing live commentary of all three winter tests, with live updates from trackside also on Sky Sports News.